What is the legal distance from surface water when applying pesticides?

The correct legal distance from surface water when applying pesticides is 25 feet. This regulation is designed to protect aquatic ecosystems and ensure that pesticide runoff does not contaminate nearby water bodies. Adhering to this distance helps to reduce the risk of pesticides entering streams, rivers, ponds, and other bodies of water, thereby safeguarding aquatic life and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. It's important to maintain proper buffers when applying pesticides to minimize environmental impact and comply with state and federal guidelines.

Understanding the significance of this buffer distance is crucial for responsible pesticide application practices in order to maintain ecological balance and protect public health. The specified distance reflects an acknowledgment of how pesticides can travel through various pathways, including water runoff, and emphasizes the importance of careful management of pesticide applications near water sources.